SiteVision News & Tips November 2014

Windows OS: A Long, Slow Slog To Perfection?

It’s really hard to get excited about an OS that has failed consumers and business in so many ways. But maybe there’s hope. Windows 8.1 got a boost in adoption from 6.7 percent in September to nearly eleven percent in October. And, yes, soon there’s to be a leap – not to Windows 9 – but to Windows 10.

As should be expected, however, most consumers are holding on to their version of Windows until the dust settles or the cows come home (whatever happens first). Windows 7, for instance, still has a whopping 53 percent share, followed by XP at 17 percent – down from nearly 24 percent in September – when Microsoft cut off support for that version.

Shutting Down The XP, VISTA Win 7 Lifeline:

A look at the numbers might suggest that the Win 8.1 increased market share had more to do with a Microsoft power play. MS is virtually forcing XP, VISTA, and Win 7, 8 users to adopt Win 8.1 as they begin to cut off consumer retail sales and mainstream support for Pre-8.1 OS versions. With the earlier lifelines shutting down, there’s really little choice for desktop Window users, other than to hold on, or move to 8.1 (aka Windows 10).

So It’s On To Win 10:

The Win 10 Technical Preview (9841) tells us a bit about what the expected 2015 release will sport, with substantial tweaks and additions, no doubt. In fact there’s already an update build called 9860 promising some 7,000 changes and additions. While the Technical Preview is exactly what it says – it’s geared to technical users, both techies and regular users can view a Microsoft video that illustrates expected features and tweaks for Windows 10.

Since the Microsoft OS commands a whopping 91 percent (plus) desktop market share, it’s likely you, too, will soon be running Windows 10. Enterprise users, however, will probably continue to resist embracing an operating system with a pretty dismal record to date. You can read more at Microsoft (lifecycle), Forbes, CNET, TechRadar, and Computerworld

SiteVision Certified As SOC-1 SSAE 16 Type II Compliant.

We’re proud to have achieved this certification! It follows a robust, independent third party audit that performed a rigorous assessment of SiteVision company controls that included administration, human resources, management, development, hosting, security policies, procedures and practices, as well as training and contracting. The compliance standards are those developed by AICPA (American Institute of Certified PUblic Accountants).

Regular customers, as well as those with sensitive security and document requirements, can outsource multiple needs knowing that SiteVision is compliant. You can read more here.

The Best Smartphones Right Now

If you’re looking ahead to the holidays and to treating yourself or a significant other to a new Smartphone, there are a few that consistently rise to the top.

It probably comes as no surprise that the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are hands down winners with almost every reviewer we checked out. Others that were consistently found in the top tier were Samsung Galaxy 5, the new Moto X, The LG G3, the Sony Xperia Z3, and the HTC One M8. You can check them out at: CNET, TechRadar, ZDNET, Business Insider.

Just Introduced: The Nexus 6

The hot, new Nexus 6, gets a good first take from reviewers who also note that this phone is a top tier offering with a price to match. Great specs, a 13-megapixel phone, “buttery smooth operation,” and the new Lollipop operating system make it an intriguing contender late in the year according to CNET’s first take. It is slated to be available off or on contract as preferred. Last we heard it was already backordered, or as Google prefers to call it available for “preorder”! Expected shipping mid-November?

Another Newbie From Google: The Nexus 9 Tablet.

Just out, the new Nexus 8.9” tablet gets a positive take over at TechRadar. Strong specs, the new Lollipop operating system, great speakers for a device of this type, a 2,048 x 1,536-pixel-resolution with a decent, but not cheap price point, make it a contender to be considered. Pricing starts at $399 for a 32GB model. Current Competitors include the Samsung Tab S (in 10.5” and 8.4”), the iPad Air 2, and Sony’s Z3.

Drupal Warns Users: Apply Latest Security Patch Now.

For users who have not deployed the latest patch released on October 15, Drupals says consider yourself compromised, and restore from a backup now!

“Automated attacks began compromising Drupal 7 websites that were not patched or updated to Drupal 7.32 within hours of the announcement of SA-CORE-2014-005 – Drupal core – SQL injection,” the Drupal security team said.

“You should proceed under the assumption that every Drupal 7 website was compromised unless updated or patched before Oct 15th, 11pm UTC, that is 7 hours after the announcement.”

This is a biggie for Drupal users. Intrusion is very hard to detect, and the compromise is massive. Drupal considers the patch highly critical.Read More Here